WERE you one of the lucky few to meet one of the most famous spiritual leaders of all time?

A film company from Manchester is appealing for anyone who may have met or seen the late, great Mahatma Gandhi during his historic visit to Darwen more than 60 years ago.

Gandhi visited the town's Greenfield Mill during his nine day visit to Britain in September 1931 - at a time when he was involved in spearheading India's historic push for independence.

Ray Fitzwalter Associates are now planning to film a documentary about Gandhi's visit for Granada Television.

"We need to hear from anyone from Blackburn or Darwen who remembers his visit, probably people aged 75 and over," said documentary researcher Robert Ashworth. "There were some fascinating aspects to Gandhi's visit, such as him bringing a goat to drink its milk, and his infamous home spinning machines.

"The programme will be of interest to the whole country."

The home spinning machines won him few friends in East Lancashire as it encouraged the Indian people to spin their own cotton - and researchers feel this may help jog local folks' memories.

Anyone who can help out, please call Ray Fitzwalter Associates on 0161 832 3337. Filming is expected to start in October.

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